Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences

Balearic Museum – updated 04 February 2023.

The Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences (Museu Balear de Ciències Naturals) is dedicated to the education, conservation and exhibition of the natural heritage of the Balearic Islands.

Location

The museum can be found in the grounds of the Jardí Botànic (Botanical Gardens); which is a centre for the conservation, study and understanding of Mediterranean flora, specifically the flora of the Balearic Islands.

This is all located in a country estate known as “Camp d’En Prohom”, on the outskirts of Sóller.

Natural World

The museum is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the study and preservation of the natural world. Established in 1985, the museum covers an area of over 8,000 square meters and houses a vast collection of specimens, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the rich biodiversity of the Balearic Islands and the wider Mediterranean region.

What to see

The Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences has five exhibition rooms, an audio-visual presentation room, conference room, library, classroom and various other spaces dedicated to storing collections.

Fossils

One of the highlights of the museum is its extensive collection of fossils and paleontological specimens. Visitors can see a range of fossils from the Balearic Islands, including those of ancient sea creatures, mammals, and reptiles, providing a unique insight into the region’s geological history. The museum also has a collection of over 50,000 specimens of insects, reptiles, and birds, as well as a wide range of marine specimens, including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms.

Collections

The museum has several collections including The Guillem Colom Collection (Micropaleontology), The Juan Bauzá Collection (Fossils) and The William Waldren Collection (also fossils).

The collections include fossils and artefacts that explain the history of natural sciences in the Balearic Islands, such as photographs, specimens, reproductions and documents of the naturalists who have visited or worked here.

Educational & cultural activities

In addition to its impressive collections, the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences also offers a range of educational and cultural activities for visitors. The museum regularly hosts workshops, lectures, and exhibitions on topics related to the natural sciences, such as ecology, botany, and zoology. These events are designed to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the Balearic Islands’ unique and diverse flora and fauna, and to encourage people to appreciate the beauty and value of the natural world.

Library

The museum also has a well-stocked library, which provides visitors with access to a range of books, journals, and other resources related to the natural sciences. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just a curious learner, you’ll find something to pique your interest in the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences.

Sustainability & conservation

Another notable feature of the museum is its commitment to sustainability and conservation. The museum has a range of initiatives in place to promote sustainable practices and to protect the environment, including energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, and recycling programs. The museum also works closely with local organizations and communities to promote conservation and biodiversity, and to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the natural world.

Botanical Gardens

Once you have looked around the museum, the Botanical Gardens are worthy of further exploration.

Jardí Botànic specialises in the management of plant species that are in danger of extinction with the objective of helping these species survive within their own natural habitats.

Four collections

Sóller Botanic Garden has four collections on show, the seed bank, Herbarium, living plant collection and endangered flora.

The gardens are very popular, and people interested in botany travel from far and wide to see the collections and learn about the conservation work carried out by the foundation.

For further information about the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences, please visit their website.

In conclusion, the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences in Majorca is a world-class institution that offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Its vast collections, educational and cultural activities, and commitment to sustainability and conservation make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural world. So why not visit the museum today and discover the wonders of the Balearic Islands’ flora and fauna for yourself?

Sóller

After your visit to the Botanical Gardens, we recommend a trip into the town of Sóller it is an old Mediterranean town, designed around narrow streets with traditional style residential townhouses and is very popular with tourists & day trippers. It has a famous tram which connects the small town of Sóller with the Port de Sóller district.